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SARGODHA, Nov 01 (APP):Sargodha Divisional Commissioner Jahanzeb Awan has directed all relevant departments to intensify their efforts to achieve the wheat cultivation targets set for the division.
He issued these directives while presiding over the second meeting of the Divisional Wheat Committee at his conference room on Saturday. The meeting was attended by the Deputy Commissioners of all four districts, Director of Agriculture, Principal of the Agricultural College Sargodha University, farmer representatives, and other concerned officials.
The meeting was briefed that a target has been set to cultivate wheat on 1.721 million acres of land in Sargodha Division this year. So far, 61,000 acres were already sown. It was noted that this year’s cultivation pace is double compared to the same period last year, reflecting the farmers’ enthusiasm.
Director Agriculture Shahid Hussain informed the meeting that the next 15 to 20 days are crucial for wheat sowing and targets were set at the tehsil, union council, and village levels. He stated that training programmes were underway to guide farmers on the use of certified seeds, fertilizers, agricultural medicines, and the importance of timely cultivation.
An awareness campaign is also in full swing through mosques, radio, social media, and print media, while 221 agricultural graduates were providing guidance to farmers directly in their fields.
The meeting was informed that three new wheat varieties have been introduced this year, which can potentially increase the yield up to 70 maunds per acre. The Punjab government has fixed the support price for wheat at Rs 3,500 per maund.
The Director of Agriculture added that 66,000 farmers in the division have received loans worth Rs 7 billion through the Kissan Card, with a repayment deadline of November 15. Farmers who repay on time would be eligible for an incentive scheme, offering tractors, gold coins, mobile phones, and other valuable prizes through a lottery.
Furthermore, 1,530 Green Tractors (75 HP) are being distributed among farmers through a draw, with the government providing a subsidy of Rs 1 million per tractor.
The meeting was also briefed on the measures taken to control smog, including awareness campaigns and actions against violators.
Commissioner Jahanzaib Awan instructed officials to ensure all measures are taken to meet the cultivation targets and to keep agricultural graduates active in the field for timely guidance to farmers.
Deputy Commissioner Sargodha Capt (retd) Muhammad Waseem, DC Khushab Farwa Aamir, DC Mianwali Asad Abbas, DC Bhakkar Muhammad Ashraf, and Principal Agricultural College Dr. Ijaz Rasool also attended the meeting.